Innovation Weekend

Austin Innovation Weekend

Every year at SXSW, Dell hosts more than 60 speakers and artists in dynamic conferences, interactive tech experiences, friendly competitions and concerts. This is part of what we call the #DellExperience.

For the sixth year, the Dell Government Affairs Americas Team hosted a series of events as part of our Dell Innovation Weekend 2018, a part of #DellExperience.

While the topic of each event varied greatly—from a Dialogue on Diversity and a conversation about supporting women in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, to a Mathlete competition with teenagers and a PolicyHack—they all had one running thread in common: empowerment. We created an honest forum to discuss our society’s many challenges, but also to look for solutions, together.

Thank you to all of our partners who helped make it possible. We look forward to Dell Innovation Weekend 2019!

2018 Partners

PolicyHack Events

10Mar

Austin, USA

10Mar

Diversity in Tech Roundtable

SXSW

8:30AM to 10:00AM

How can elected officials at all levels of government be a party of the diversity dialogue and help drive progress? What can policy makers do to incentivize change? Join Dell, Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and industry representatives for a lively discussion on the importance of diversity and its role in innovation within the tech industry, the startup community, and government. Participants will discuss challenges, best practices and ideas for solutions. Read Michael Young’s blog post: The Power of Empowerment.

Supporting Women in the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

SXSW

10:30-11:30 AM

Join Dell, DropBox, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Women’s High Tech Coalition for a conversation with members of Congress, entrepreneurs, thought leaders and other stakeholders for an interactive conversation on how with changes to public policy and more resources and attention, the world could see many more women-led businesses breaking the $1 million barrier, thereby creating more economic prosperity and jobs.

So You Think You’re Smarter Than A Mathlete?

SXSW

12:00PM to 1:30PM

Join Dell and MATHCOUNTS for a live quiz-bowl style math competition, where 7th and 8th grade Mathletes are paired with members of Congress and technology industry leaders in a single elimination bracket tournament. A charitable contribution will be made to the STEM charity of winning team’s choice.

Dell Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Forum

MassChallenge, Boston, MA

In 2018, Dell commissioned blueprints for 10 cities, including Boston, to arm leaders and policymakers with the data and insights they need to improve conditions for high-potential women entrepreneurs. Boston ranked 4th on the 2017 Dell Women Entrepreneur Cities (WECities) Index and the 2018 recommendations were unveiled at this event.

Understanding that women entrepreneurs still struggle to access capital, networks and resources needed to scale, this interactive two-part forum brought together policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs and advocates to discuss viable solutions to better incorporate women in the fields of tech and entrepreneurship.